HECKY: "Another good workout."

The Reds Gaffer was speaking following today's friendly defeat away at Grimsby Town.

It was another valuable pre-season encounter for Barnsley this afternoon as we edge ever closer to the big kick off in the Sky Bet Championship 2017/18 campaign.

Despite the 2-1 scoreline, Paul Heckingbottom felt it was a game that again gave him exactly what he feels is required at this stage of the summer.

With the Reds still looking to add to a very youthful, new-look squad, Paul gave as many players at his disposal the necessary game-time as he prepares for another season in England's second tier.

He told iFollow: "It was another good workout. We've built the minutes up for the players. Physically, it was a good workout. Lots of things to take from the game. And we'll go through them next week.

"Let's forget the tactical element at the minute, because lots of that will take time with a new group. But as I said to the players, a mistake and then a set-piece has cost us today. But they've held their hands up, and if there is a time to make errors then this is it.

"But we've had young lads on the pitch today, it's great for them and their development. But I do expect a busy week ahead of us. It's my birthday this week and I'm expecting a few birthday presents wrapped up.."